3 Types of Eyeliner You Need to Know (and Try)

Eyeliner can shift your whole look in a few strokes, from soft definition to a sharp, graphic wing. Understanding the main types of eyeliner and how each formula applies, wears, and removes helps you choose what fits your routine. This guide breaks down different eyeliner types so you can build a reliable everyday look and still have options when you want something more dramatic.

So, if you have ever wondered what is eyeliner in terms of finishes and effects, this overview breaks it all down. We are covering eyeliner formats, application techniques, and types of eyeliner styles to suit different eye shapes, plus shade suggestions and product recommendations. Read on to discover new kinds of eyeliner and the different eyeliner types to add to your routine.

The Most Common Types of Eyeliner

When it comes to eyeliners, there's never just one option. So if you are not very fond of pencils, there are still plenty of other formats and different types of eyeliner to explore, depending on the finish, intensity, and level of precision you prefer.

Broadly, there are three main types of eyeliner you will see most often: pencil, gel, and liquid. The best choice depends on your comfort level, the look you are creating, and how much time you have for application. Here's a comparison of liquid eyeliner vs. pencil vs. gel so you can decide which format best fits your routine.

Pencil eyeliner

An undoubtedly popular pick, pencil eyeliners serve as an introduction to eyeliner for many. Typically found in two varieties, sharpenable and retractable, pencils are an easy way to define your eyes, even if you do not possess the steadiest of hands. Many people find that a pencil—specifically a soft kohl or kajal eye pencil—is the easiest type of eyeliner to control because it glides while still allowing room for gentle smudging.

Gel eyeliner

Whether you are a fan of more precise or smudged lines, gel eyeliner works for both approaches. The small pots of pigmented gel glide onto the skin with the help of angled eyeliner brushes. From there, you can keep the line sharp or softly diffuse it. Gel eyeliner tends to offer rich color with a bit more playtime than most liquids, which makes it a good middle ground between a pencil and a pen.

Liquid eyeliner

Often considered the trickiest type of eyeliner to master, liquid eyeliner has a loyal following for a reason. Available as either a liquid with a brush or in the form of a pen, liquid formulas create meticulous lines that stay in place when properly applied. This makes them especially useful for crisp wings, graphic eyeliner, and other detailed looks.

The Most Popular Eyeliner Styles

Telling a makeup artist you plan to wear eyeliner could mean many different things. A barely there lash-line trace, a dramatic cat eye, and everything in between can all be created with the same products. Below are a few go-totypes of eyeliner styles to consider.

Fine line

If you want a subtle look, opt for a thin line placed right against your upper lash line. This skinny eyeliner style pairs well withnatural-looking makeup while still defining your eyes and making lashes appear fuller at the base.

Thick line

Not every look needs to be subtle. Start with a fine line, then slowly build it up until it is as bold as you like. You can even take the eyeliner underneath your eyes for a soft, rock-inspired effect.

Tightline

The “invisible” eyeliner effect does not require a magical pencil. Use your regular black or dark brown eyeliner to gently fill in the space just below your upper lash line. It will not look like you are wearing eyeliner, but your lashes will instantly appear denser.

Winged out

Adding a flick at the end of your eyeliner is a classic way to change your look. Draw your line along the upper lash line, then extend it slightly upward and outward at the outer corner to create your wing.

Smudged out

If you prefer a softer, smokier effect, line your eyes with a creamy pencil or gel, then smudge the edges with a cotton swab or a smudging brush before the product sets. This technique works especially well along the lower lash line.

Floating crease liner

Floating crease eyeliner offers a more experimental take on liner. Rather than applying your eyeliner directly to your lash line, apply a line just above your crease to create a floating effect. Keeping the line thin and following your natural eye shape helps the look appear intentional and balanced.

The Best Shades of Eyeliner for Every Eye Color

Black eyeliner is a classic, but other shades can help emphasize the natural color of your eyes. If you are unsure where to start or you wonder what the best eyeliner is for your eye color, these guidelines can help you narrow down a few reliable options.

Brown eyes

You will not need to stray far from what you may already use. Instead of wearing black every day, try deep shades with more visual interest, like charcoal, navy, or rich mahogany. These tones can enhancebrown eyes without overwhelming them.

Blue eyes

It is often recommended for those with blue eyes to wear blue eye makeup, but that may not be ideal for daily wear. Warm metallic hues like copper and gold create a flattering contrast and can make blue eyes appear brighter.

Green eyes

If you are interested in wearing a fun eyeliner color, violet eyeliner complementsgreen eyes beautifully. For something more understated, reach for bronze or warm brown.

Hazel eyes

To determine the best eyeliner shades for hazel eyes, use a mirror and look closely at the mix of tones in your irises. Match the brown and green in your eyes with olive or chocolate brown eyeliner to accentuate either color.

How to Choose the Best Eyeliner for Your Eye Shape

Your eye shape can also influence which kinds of eyeliner look most flattering on you.Understand your eye shape, then read on to find out the best placement and types of eyeliner to make your eyes pop.

Hooded eyes

With hooded eyes, part of the eyelid is covered by the crease when your eyes are open. For the best eyeliner for hooded eyes, start with a thin line along the upper lash line and gradually build thickness as you move toward the outer corner. Keep most of the depth and intensity on the outer third of the eye to create a lifted effect. When you look straight ahead in the mirror, gently sketch your wing so it remains visible above the fold.

Almond, round, and downturned eyes

Almond-shaped eyes work well with almost every eyeliner style, from subtle tightlining to bold wings. Following the natural angle of the outer corner creates a flattering, elongating effect. For round eyes, focusing eyeliner on the outer two thirds of the lash line helps give a slightly more elongated shape. Fordownturned eyes, placing more liner on the upper lash line and keeping the lower lash line soft or bare can help give a more lifted appearance.

Many MUAs reference a “three-quarters” placement guideline for eyeliners. This means concentrating most of the depth on the outer three-quarters of the upper lash line and keeping the inner corner lighter or bare. This strategy can be especially helpful for round or downturned eyes.

Tightlining vs. bold liner strategies

Tightliningis helpful when you want definition without a visible liner. It works for every eye shape and is especially effective for smaller eyes or anyone who prefers minimal eye makeup. Bold liner, whether in the form of a graphic wing or a thick line, makes more of a statement and draws attention directly to the eyes. The key is to adjust thickness and angle based on your eye shape so the liner enhances your features rather than hiding them.

If you are exploring kinds of eyeliner and finishes, it can be useful to keep your everyday routine simple and reserve more dramatic looks for occasions when you have extra time.

Our Best Eyeliners

You have taken in a lot of information about eyeliner and the different types of eyeliner out there, but there is one more step: choosing formulas to put these tips into practice. Below are some of our favorite L’Oréal Paris options.

L’Oréal Paris Haute Precision Micro-Tip Liquid Liner Pen

Discover theL’Oréal Paris Haute Precision Micro-Tip Liquid Liner Pen. This precision liquid eyeliner pen has a 0.01mm tip and comes in several shades for bold or classic liner looks. The ultra-precise felt tip delivers controlled application so you can draw thin or thick lines that wear comfortably throughout the day. The fluid formula is designed to create smooth, continuous lines that resist skipping and help minimize smudging for a polished finish. Glide it along the upper lash line in short strokes for everyday definition or build a more elongated wing for occasions when you want extra impact.

L’Oréal Paris Haute Couleur Kohl Pencil Eyeliner

TheL’Oréal Paris Haute Couleur Kohl Pencil Eyeliner combines the ease of a pencil with the smoothness of a gel and the blendability of a powder. The gel-like kohl eyeliner glides on smoothly and blends out easily for both defined and diffused looks, and can be worn along the upper and lower lash lines. The rich pigment payoff makes it a versatile choice for everything from soft daytime definition to deeper smoky looks in the evening. Apply it along the upper lash line, then gently smudge with a brush or fingertip for a soft, smoky effect before the formula sets.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner

TheL’Oréal Paris Infallible Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner is a liquid eyeliner with a fine felt tip designed for controlled, precise lines. The waterproof formula is made for long wear and helps resist smudging or transferring throughout the day. Use the tip to trace a thin line close to the upper lash line for everyday definition, or slightly angle the pen outward at the outer corner to build a more pronounced wing when you want extra drama.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner

TheL’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner is a long-wearing, gel-based mechanical eyeliner that delivers intense, even color in a single swipe. The built-in grip design helps steady your hand for more controlled application along the upper or lower lash line. The waterproof, smudge-resistant formula is designed for all-day wear, making it a practical choice for busy days or nights out. Glide it along the lash line for a defined look, or use the tip to gently thicken the line at the outer corners when you want extra intensity.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner

TheL’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner offers long-lasting, intense color in a pencil format. This waterproof eyeliner helps keep your look in place through humidity and extended wear, whether you use it along the lash line or on the waterline. The creamy texture glides on smoothly and then sets to a long-wearing finish, which makes it an easy choice for long days or special events. Trace a thin line for everyday definition or layer and gently smudge before it sets for a more diffused effect.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner

TheL’Oréal Paris Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner features a fine felt tip that allows you to create precise, smudge-resistant lines, from delicate definition to dramatic wings. The inky liquid formula is designed to deliver rich color payoff in a single stroke while staying lightweight on the lids. It is ideal for days when you want a crisp, clean line or a defined cat eye. Start at the inner corner and work outward in small strokes, keeping the pen close to the lash line for maximum control.

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L’Oréal Paris Never Fail™ Eyeliner

TheL’Oréal Paris Never Fail™ Eyeliner is a mechanical pencil that provides long-lasting color in a rich, creamy formula. It is available in multiple shades, including a brightening white that can be used along the lower waterline to help the eyes appear more open. The smooth texture makes it easy to draw both subtle and more defined lines without tugging at the skin. Apply it along the upper or lower lash line for everyday wear, then softly smudge the edges if you prefer a diffused finish.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner

TheL’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner includes a removable wing stencil to help guide your liner placement. The brush tip and stencil combination offers support for anyone who wants a defined wing with less guesswork, helping to create a balanced flick on both eyes. The waterproof formula is designed for long wear, which makes it well-suited to occasions when you want your liner to stay put. Position the stencil at the outer corner to map out your wing, fill in the shape with the brush, then connect the wing to your upper lash line for a seamless finish.

Next Up: 6 Tips For The Perfect Cat Eye Makeup Look

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris